Pre-Professional Advising

Dental School admission depends on grade point average, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, writing/personal statement, work and leadership experience, and specific coursework. Although there is no single degree that pre-dental students are required to earn, most pursue Biology degrees with Chemistry minors because these best match DAT topics, which include three years of advanced biology and chemistry. In general, students should take all DAT-relevant courses during their first 3 years, and complete other courses for the degree during their fourth year – when they are also engaged in the application process. In addition, all students should plan on job shadowing a dentist for a minimum of 30 hours. Recommended coursework for Tufts University is listed below (Students should check with individual dental school for school specific requirements); students should consult with advisor about specific program and committee letter requirements.

First/Freshman Year*

Biology 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
Chemistry 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
Writing 102 – Expository Writing (3)
Communication 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)

Second/Sophomore Year*

Biology 200 – Genetics, (4)
Chemistry 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
Core Concentration course (3)
Biology elective (4)

Third/Junior Year*

Biology Electives
Chemistry 390 – Biochemistry (4)
Physics 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8) Math 315 – Probability & Statistics (3)
Additional coursework towards core concentration and major (7-10)
Writing intensive course in Humanities and Social Science

Fourth/Senior Year

Core Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar
Remaining degree, minor, and core coursework

*Some programs require a 1-year Human Anatomy & Physiology series (e.g. Biology 215/216). At RWU this can be completed during the Sophomore or Junior academic year.
Some programs require a business course in management or economics; be sure to check the requirements of your school of interest.

RWU offers the courses required for application for admission into the Northeastern University’s Medical Lab Science Program or the University of Hartford’s Clinical Lab Science program.

Students are required to complete at least 24 credit hours of Biology and Chemistry before entry into the program. Students should complete an internship that allows 30-100 hrs of observation of a professional. Interested students should contact one of the health professions advisors for information and to construct their schedules to work towards completion of a Bachelor’s degree.
 
First Year  

Biology 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
Chemistry 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
Writing 102 – Expository Writing (3)
Communication 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
 
Second Year
 
Biology 200 – Genetics, (4)
Chemistry 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
Physics 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8) (can take algebra-based physics depending on degree plan)
Math 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
 
Third Year
 
Bio 230 Microbiology (4)
Bio 325 Cell Biology & Immunology (4)
Math 124 Basic Statistics
Humanities and/or Social Science electives (9)
Chem 312 Instrumental Methods of Analysis and Lab (4)
Bio 215/216 Human Anatomy and Physiology (recommended) (8)
CH 390 Biochemistry (recommended) (4)
COOP 460 Internship (recommended) (1-3)

The pre-med track at Roger Williams University is designed to prepare students for entry in allopathic (traditional, such as Tufts University) and osteopathic (University of New England/Des Moines University) medical schools across the country. Students interested in this track should contact one of the pre-health professions advisors to design their program of study to ensure they take the proper courses for the MCAT exam. Students can pursue almost any major for entry into medical school. The most popular major is Biology with a Chemistry minor. Please make sure to consult with an advisor in your academic area as well as the Pre-med advisor to ensure graduation in a timely manner.
 
When applying to medical school, students will utilize a centralized application service through the American Medical Colleges (AAMCAS) or American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS) which are available online at the beginning of each June. The application deadline for medical schools varies and students should be aware of the different deadlines. The Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) is required for admission and students should plan on taking the MCAT prior to applying to medical school usually in spring of their junior year.
 
The following is a list of courses required for admission to most medical schools. Please consult with a pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
 
Program of Study:

All students are required to take (for entry into Tufts Medical School):
 
1 yr Biology sequence (BIO 103,104)
2 yrs Chemistry: General and Organic (CHEM 191,192 & CHEM 301,302)
1 yr General Physics (PHYS 201,202)
1 semester of Calculus (MATH 213)
Writing course (Upper division)
 
Recommended (required for some) for most medical schools:

1 semester of Biochemistry (BIO/CHEM 390)
1 semester of Genetics (BIO 200)
 
Elective courses of study are:

1 yr Human Anatomy & Physiology

The following is a list of courses required for application to most occupational therapy schools. These schools also require a completion of a BA/BS degree before application to their program. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular occupational therapy programs.
 
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
MATH 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3)
WTNG 102 – Expository Writing (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
COOP 460 Internship (100 hours of observation) (3)
PSYCH 280 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Biology 215/216-- Human Anatomy & Physiology
PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYCH 211 Child Development (3)
PSYCH 314 Psychology of Adulthood (3)
 
Choose one:

MATH 124 Basic Statistics (3)
Or PSYCH 240 Quantitative Analysis (3)
 
For Some Schools:
 
PHYS 201 Physics I (4)
Soc 100 Introduction to Sociology (4)

The following is information based on the admission criteria for the New England College of Optometry. Other optometry schools may have additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from RWU, however, students accepted with 90 semester hours may complete their Bachelor’s degree through the New England College of Optometry.
 
Candidates should apply as soon as possible after July 15th for the following academic year. Application deadline is March 31st. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission. Applicants should have 30 hours of unpaid observation with an optometrist prior to application.
 
The following is a list of courses required for application for Optometry school. Please consult with one of the pre-professional advisors, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular Optometry programs.
 
Academic Requirements
 
First Year
 
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
MATH 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
WTNG 102 – Expository Writing (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
 
Second Year
 
BIO 200 – Genetics, (4)
CHEM 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
MATH 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
Core Concentration course (3)
Biology elective (4)
 
Third Year  

BIO 230 Microbiology (4)
PHYS 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8) (can take algebra-based physics depending on degree plan)
Humanities electives (6)
CHEM 312 Instrumental Methods of Analysis and Lab (4)
PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Social Science elective (3)
 
Recommended
 
BIO 215/216 Human Anatomy and Physiology (8)
BIO/CHEM 390 Biochemistry (4)
MATH 124 Basic Statistics
COOP 460 Internship

The following is information based on the admission criteria for Northeastern University and University of New England Pharm.D. programs. Other Pharmacy schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from RWU.
 
Students should fill out a Pharmacy Colleges Application (PharmCAS) available online at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for Northeastern University and University of New England. Over half the pharmacy schools in the country use the PharmCAS service and it is available in the summer. The standard application deadline for Pharmacy schools is around the beginning of December and students should be aware of the different deadlines. The Pharmacy College Aptitude Test (PCAT) is required for admission to the University of New England. Other programs may or may not require the PCAT. Students should plan on taking the PCAT prior to applying to Pharmacy school usually in the summer of between their junior and senior year.
 
The following is a list of courses required for entry into Pharmacy school. Please consult with one of the pre-professional advisors, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
 
Academic Coursework
 
First/Freshman Year*
 
BIO103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
WTNG102 – Expository Writing (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
 
Second/Sophomore Year*
 
BIO 200 – Genetics, (4)
CHEM 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
PHYS 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8)
Math 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
 
Third/Junior Year*
 
Biology Electives
BIO/CHEM 390 – Biochemistry (4)
Math 315 – Probability & Statistics (3)
Additional coursework towards core concentration and major (7-10)
Writing intensive course in Humanities and Social Science
 
Fourth/Senior Year
 
Core Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar
Remaining degree, minor, and Core Coursework

The following is a list of courses required for application to most Physical Therapy schools. These schools also require a completion of a BA/BS degree before application to their program. Please consult with a pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular physical therapy programs. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) runs the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) which allows students toto use a single Web-based application to apply to multiple physical therapist (PT) education programs. Deadline for applications for most schools is January 15th, although some start as early as October 1st
 
First/Freshman Year*
 
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
WTNG102 – Expository Writing (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
PSYCH100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
 
Second Year
 
COOP 460 Internship (100 hours of observation) (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
BIO 215/216-- Human Anatomy & Physiology
PSYCH 211 Child Development (3)
 
Choose one depending on your Major:

MATH 124 Basic Statistics (3)
Or PSYCH 240 Quantitative Analysis (3)
 
For Some Schools:
 
PHYS 109/110 or PHYS 201/202 (8) (some schools may only require one course in physics)
Soc 100 Introduction to Sociology (4)

The following is information based on the admission criteria for the University of New England Physicians Assistant program. Other PA schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from RWU. A minimum of one year health care experience (2000 hours) is expected of all applicants. Preference is given to those candidates who have had direct hands-on patient care. In addition, CPR training is required.
 
The application deadline is October 1st for the University of New England and Pacific University. Students should fill out a Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) which is available online. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to some schools and must be received by application deadline.
 
The following is a list of courses required for admission to PA school. Please consult with a pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
 
First Year
 
WTNG 102 Expository writing (3)
MATH 135/137 Pre-Calculus (3/3)
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
Core Concentration (3)
 
Second Year
 
BIO 215/216 Human Anatomy and Physiology (8)
MATH124 Basic Statistics (3)
PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYCH 211 Child Development (3)
CHEM 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
WTNG 200 Critical Writing
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
 
Third and Fourth Years
 
Physics 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8)
BIO/CHEM 390 Biochemistry (4)
BIO 200 Genetics
Humanities electives (9)
Social Science electives (9)
 
Complete requirements for a degree at RWU

The following is information based on the admission criteria for Des Moines University into their Podiatric Medicine program. Other schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework, such as Medical Terminology. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from RWU.
 
Many schools have a rolling admissions policy but students should begin the application process by September. Students should fill out an application through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPMAS) which are available online. The Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) is required for admission. Students should plan on taking the MCAT prior to applying to podiatric medical school usually in spring of their junior year.
 
The following is a list of courses required for admission to Podiatric medical schools. Please consult with a pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
 
First/Freshman Year*
 
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
Math 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
WTNG 102 – Expository Writing (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
 
Second/Sophomore Year*
 
BIO 200 – Genetics, (4)
CHEM 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
Physics 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8)
Math 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
 
Third/Junior Year*
 
Biology Electives
BIO/CHEM 390 – Biochemistry (4)
MATH 315 – Probability & Statistics (3)
Additional coursework towards core concentration and major (7-10)
Writing intensive course in Humanities and Social Science
 
Fourth/Senior Year
 
Core Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar
Remaining degree, minor, and Core Coursework

The following is information based on the admission criteria for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and University of Pennsylvania. Other veterinary schools may have additional coursework requirements and most schools require significant animal care experience. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from RWU.
The application deadline is October 1st. Students should fill out a Veterinary Medical Colleges Application (VMCAS) which are available online in June. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission at most schools and must be received by application deadline.
 
The following is a list of courses required for admission to Veterinary school. Please consult with a pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs. The science courses required for admission fit readily into a Biology degree.
  
First/Freshman Year*
 
BIO 103, 104 – Biology I/II (8)
CHEM 191,192 – Principles of Chemistry I/II (8)
MATH 135/137 – Pre-Calculus (3/3) (Math placement exam required)
WTNG 102 – Expository Writing (3)
COMM 210 – Introduction to Speech Communication (3)
Core 102 – History & the Modern World (3)
Core 104 – Literature, Philosophy, and Ascent of Ideas (3)
 
Second/Sophomore Year*
 
BIO 200 – Genetics, (4)
CHEM 301,302 – Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
MATH 213, 214 – Calculus I/II (8)
Core 103 – Human Behavior in Perspective (3)
Core 105 – Aesthetics: The Artistic Impulse (3)
Core Concentration course (3)
Biology elective (4)
 
Third/Junior Year*
 
Biology Electives (cell biology, microbiology, anatomy & physiology)
BIO/CHEM 390 – Biochemistry (4)
MATH 315 – Probability & Statistics (3)
PHYS 201, 202 – Physics I/II with Calculus (8)
Additional Coursework towards core concentration and major (7-10)
Writing intensive course in Humanities and Social Science
 
Fourth/Senior Year
 
Core Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar
Remaining degree, minor, and Core Coursework